Logistics Specialist 1st Class Kayla Williamson, assigned to the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), was selected as one of the Navy's first 38 enlisted female submariners.

"There's no reason to divide anymore; we're all equal," said Logistics Specialist 1st Class (SW) Kayla Williamson. "Women can do all the jobs that men can."

Williamson, assigned to the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), was selected as one of the Navy's first 38 enlisted female submariners.

At her previous command, Fleet Logistics Center Puget Sound in Bremerton, Washington, Williamson worked with submarine assistance and was introduced to the submarine community. She saw the camaraderie submariners had in their tight knit community, which sparked her initial interest in becoming a submariner.

After the successful integration of female officers aboard submarines, she continuously checked Naval Administration (NAVADMIN) messages hoping for any news about the Navy integrating enlisted females in the submarine community.

"I knew the instruction would come out soon," said Williamson. "It was only a matter of time."

When the instruction came out, she acted quickly and put in her application. She did not want to miss out on the opportunity to serve aboard a submarine.

"I read over the NAVADMIN, and then it was just a matter of going through and finding old records and proving I have proper clearance," said Williamson. "The toughest part of my package was getting a CO (commanding officer) recommendation. I had to think of what I've done in my career and on USS America that would be of use to the submarine community, and what I can bring to them to show them I'm a strong Sailor."

Shortly after putting in her package, she received an email notifying her that she was accepted and would be able to start the process of becoming a submariner.

"I was elated," said Williamson. "I was shaking, and I ran around the hangar bay high-fiving everyone."

As with any new change, there's the potential for barriers of resistance and unforeseen challenges. The Navy's core values of honor, courage and commitment are instilled in every Sailor, male and female, and they are taught to exemplify each of them, regardless of who may be watching.

The other 37 selectees, as well as Williamson, have been sought out by several female Sailors to congratulate them on becoming part of history and seek guidance on joining the submarine fleet. Among them is Yeoman Seaman Leslie Robinson, also an America Sailor, who was inspired to tour a submarine with Williamson.

"I felt like this is a huge breakthrough for our Navy," said Robinson. "Integrating women into the submarine community is a huge milestone."

"It's crazy to think that people want to look up to me now, because I'm doing something new," said Williamson. "It's not something I thought about when I applied for this. I thought it was great to be one of the first, but it wasn't the main reason I applied."

Williamson encourages interested female Sailors to apply for billets if they can. She says it will open a whole new world to the Navy.

"This opportunity is beyond cool," said Williamson. "This is something that not everybody is going to be qualified to do. If you see that you could possibly be a person that fits these criteria, put in a package. Although I'm the first, any female between now and 2023 will be the first for the submarine they're on. If you're able to, do it; it's going to be fun."

The 38 female Sailors will head to Basic Enlisted Submarine School and, upon completion, receive official orders to the first Navy submarine to integrate female Sailors, USS Michigan (SSGN 727).

For more information about submitting a package, read NAVADMIN 019/15 available at Navy Personnel Command website at www.npc.navy.mil.

For more news from USS America (LHA 6), visit www.navy.mil/.